Italy, Monarchy. A Constantinian Order of St. George, Grand Cross Breast Star (Embroidered), c. 1850

Instituted in 1816. Star, embroidered in gold thread, silver and gold sequins, and red velvet, obverse shows red velvet cross, 82.6 mm (h) x 86.7 mm (w), near extremely fine condition. 

Footnote: The origins of the Order are unclear. Some authorities believe the beginning of this Order can be linked to Emperor Constantine I and the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312. Others believe the founder was Byzantine Emperor Isaac II in 1190. The best-recognized iteration of the Order arose with the amendments to the Order statutes made by Duke Francesco Farnese of Parma in 1705. The Duke’s changes were formally recognized by Pope Clement XI in 1706, and finalized as a dynastic Order of the Duchy of Parma by a Papal Bull in 1718. It became a dynastic Order of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies in 1731, following the death of Antonio Farnese, the last male descendant in Parma of the Farnese dynasty. Consequently, the Order passed to the King of the Two Sicilies, Charles III, resulting in the move of the Order out of Parma and into Naples.Thus from 1731-1816, it was not considered an Order of the Duchy of Parma. When Marie Louise ascended to the throne of the Duchy of Parma, Piacenza, and Guastalla, she restored it as a dynastic Order of the Duchy of Parma, resulting in the creation of two Order branches.